Modular wound-care system

ABSTRACT

A customizable system ( 100 ) made up of a plurality of individual modules for dispensing minor wound-care products with one hand. The modules are easily attached to and disconnected from each other to provide an integrated dispensing device of variable size that may be accessed quickly and efficiently. The system includes one or more disposable bandage modules ( 110 ) having a top wall ( 111 ), a bottom wall ( 112 ), a front wall ( 113 ), a back wall ( 114 ), a right side wall ( 115 ), and a left side wall ( 116 ). The walls are permanently joined together to form a body ( 117 ) having an internal cavity ( 118 ). The bandage modules include an opening ( 119 ) on the front wall, a cutting edge ( 120 ) within the opening, and one or more module-joining attachments ( 121 ) on said side walls ( 115 ) and ( 116 ). The system may also include one or more accessory modules.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to dispensing devices and moreparticularly to a first-aid dispensing system having a plurality ofdispensing modules.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

First-aid supplies, including adhesive bandages and antibacterial cream,are widely used in homes, schools, and places of work for treatment ofskin injuries such as minor cuts, punctures, and abrasions. Thesesupplies are typically contained in different packages and stored indrawers, cabinets, or shelves, often requiring a user to search forseveral packages in order to provide adequate first aid.

A group of individually packaged adhesive bandages, e.g., twenty tothirty bandages, are typically contained in a cardboard or metal boxhaving a hinged lid. Often, different sizes of adhesive bandages arepackaged together in a single box. The conventional manner of storingand packaging adhesive bandage strips has a number of drawbacks. It maybe difficult to observe and select the desired bandage strip from theconventional container due to the tendency of its contents to becomedisorganized over time. It may be difficult to determine whether aparticular size needs replenishing without emptying the whole box. Theremay be a tendency to run out of the more popular types of adhesivebandage strips in the assortment, thereby leaving an excess of the typesof bandage strips that are used less often. In addition, conventionalcontainers of adhesive bandage strips are easy to misplace and upset.

Often, the use of adhesive bandages is accompanied by the use of anantibacterial cream or gel. These creams or gels are generally packagedin a squeezable tube and stored in a drawer, cabinet, or shelf. Thesetubes do not easily stand upright, resulting in a disorganizedappearance in a cabinet or on a shelf. Moreover, the tubes do not stackneatly next to adhesive bandage boxes, resulting in them often beingstored in a different location than the adhesive bandage.

Often, injuries require that direct pressure be applied to the cut,leaving only one hand to prepare the first-aid bandage and relatedapplications. It may be difficult to remove the cap on a tube, squeezeout its contents, and reapply the cap on the tube with one hand. It mayalso be difficult to locate an adhesive bandage box, retrieve thecorrect size bandage from it, remove the protective packaging, and applythe bandage with one hand.

It is widely recommended in the health care profession that cuts andabrasions should be cleansed before adhering a bandage to reduce thethreat of infection. If one does not have easy access to a sink,cleansing wipes are sometimes used. These wipes are often sold in smallpre-packaged packets to prevent them from drying out. These packets aredifficult to open with one hand, result in wasted packaging, and oftenappear disorganized on a shelf, in a drawer, or in a cabinet.

There are hundreds of items that may be used with first-aid products.Analgesic tablets or capsules, anti-itch cream, gauze, and cotton ballsare a few examples. Each person may have a different combination ofitems that they prefer to use as first aid. Regardless of the differentcombination of first-aid items used, usage of first-aid products oftennecessitates some waste, which may include removing an old bandage orremoving the packaging from an individually wrapped product.

A variety of first-aid kits have been designed for use in providing carein an emergency. They generally consist of a box that contains manyitems related to first-aid, including adhesive bandages, creams andgels, and cleansing wipes. First-aid kits are typically compact, toallow for easy storage, and portable, to allow users to bring thefirst-aid kit with them in a variety of situations. Conventionalfirst-aid kits have a number of drawbacks. They quickly become verydisorganized, making it difficult to find the required product withoutemptying most of the kit. In addition, in most first-aid kits, there isno clear indicator when a certain product has been depleted, so usersmay only be aware of a missing product when they look for it in anemergency. Replenishing items in a first-aid kit often consists ofpurchasing a first-aid product like a box of bandages, removing some ofthem from the packaging and placing them in the kit, and then storingthe remainder of the box elsewhere. Moreover, the kit and its contentsare difficult to access with one hand. Finally, the portable nature of afirst-aid kit makes it easy to misplace and time-consuming to retrievefrom its stored location in an emergency.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is a dispensing system for storingand dispensing bandages and other first-aid supplies. The dispensingsystem includes the following: a plurality of bandages; one or moresingle-use disposable bandage modules, each of the modules having aplurality of walls joined with one another to form a substantiallysealed body having an internal cavity for receiving the plurality ofbandages, one of the walls having an opening through which the bandagesmay be dispensed from the cavity, wherein said walls are constructed andjoined to one another so that the cavity is not accessible withoutdamaging the walls.

Another aspect of the present invention is a single-use, disposablemodule for storing and dispensing bandages. The module includes thefollowing: a plurality of walls permanently connected together to form asubstantially sealed body having an internal cavity for receiving aplurality of bandages; an opening formed in at least one of theplurality of walls through which the plurality of bandages may bedispensed from the cavity; and wherein the module is pre-loaded with theplurality of bandages at the time of manufacture such that the modulemay not be refilled without damaging one or more of the plurality ofwalls.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a method of forming afirst-aid dispensing system for mounting on a surface. The methodincludes the following steps: obtaining at least two single-use type,non-refillable, disposable bandage modules; connecting the at least twomodules together; and positioning the modules on a surface.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a surface-mounteddispensing system for dispensing bandages. The system includes thefollowing: one or more single-use disposable bandage modules, each ofthe modules having a plurality of walls joined with one another to forma substantially sealed body having an internal cavity for receiving theplurality of bandages, one of the walls having an opening through whichthe bandages may be dispensed from the cavity, wherein the walls areconstructed and joined to one another so that the cavity is notaccessible without damaging the walls; structure for releasably joiningthe modules to one another; and structure for releasably mounting themodules to a surface.

Other features, utilities and advantages of various embodiments of theinvention will be apparent from the following more particulardescription of embodiments of the invention as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show a formof the invention that is presently preferred. However, it should beunderstood that the present invention is not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown in the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a front isometric view of a customizable first-aid dispensingsystem in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 1B is a rear isometric view of a customizable first-aid dispensingsystem in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of a mounting backplate according toone embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3A is a front isometric view of a customizable first-aid dispensingsystem according to one embodiment of the present invention, with itscover in a closed position;

FIG. 3B is a front isometric view of the customizable first-aiddispensing system in FIG. 3A, with its cover in an open position;

FIG. 3C is a rear isometric view of the customizable first-aiddispensing system in FIGS. 3A and 3B;

FIG. 4 is a front isometric view of a customizable first-aid dispensingsystem having a lid in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 5 is a front isometric view of a customizable first-aid dispensingsystem having a paper towel attachment module in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a customizable modularized first-aid dispensingsystem made up of individual modules that contain first-aid products andthat are connected to each other and mounted on a surface. Thedispensing modules are easily attached to and disconnected from eachother to provide an integrated dispensing device of variable size thatmay be accessed quickly and efficiently with one hand or two. Themodules may be discarded when their originally loaded supply isexhausted, thereby clearly indicating which products remain stocked(those with the modules showing) and which need replenishment. Thepre-loaded modules may contain a variety of first-aid products: adhesivebandages in a roll or stack with minimal packaging; lotions, creams, andgels; wipes; and gauze pads. The system may also include a user-definedmodule that the user may fill with any first-aid product desired. Thesystem may further include a trash receptacle module to collect waste.

An example of the disclosed invention is depicted in FIGS. 1-5, althoughit should be understood that the present invention is not limited tothis (or any other) particular embodiment, but rather is intended tocover any dispensing modules or module assemblies that fairly fallwithin the broad scope of the appended claims. In the drawings, likeelements include like element numbers.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1A illustrates a customizablefirst-aid dispensing system 100 according to one embodiment of thepresent invention. First-aid dispensing system 100 includes a disposablebandage module 110 having a top wall 111, a bottom wall 112, a frontwall 113, a back wall 114 (see FIG. 1B), a right side wall 115, and aleft side wall 116. The walls are permanently joined together to form abody 117 having a substantially sealed internal cavity 118. The walls ofmodule 110 are permanently joined using permanent joining materials ormethods such as adhesives, staples, welded seams, tapes, cornerconnectors, folds, and the like. Once joined, adjacent walls may not bedisconnected without causing damage to each wall and may not bere-joined or repaired without using additional joining materials.

Because cavity 118 is substantially sealed in that it does not includeany openings other than opening 119, bandages are typically loaded incavity 118 during fabrication of module 110. In addition, as one skilledin the art will appreciate, because opening 119 is generally only largeenough to facilitate the removal of a single bandage, the opening maynot be used to efficiently refill cavity 118 with a new supply ofbandages or other first-aid materials. Generally, it is preferred thatthe size of opening 119 be minimized to further maintain the level ofsterility in cavity 118. Thus, because cavity 118 may not be readilyaccessed for refilling, empty modules 110 are typically discarded andreplaced in favor of new, fully-loaded modules.

In one embodiment, opening 119 is positioned on front wall 113 of module110, a cutting edge 120 is positioned within the opening, and one ormore module-joining attachments 121 are positioned on said right andleft side walls 115 and 116, respectively. As described in greaterdetail below, system 100 may include a plurality of other modulescontaining various first-aid supplies. Typically, each of the moduleswill include substantially the same structural configuration as module110. In addition, the specific dimensions of a module are generallyselected according to the specific dimensions of the particularfirst-aid supply it will contain.

Module 110 is designed to dispense adhesive bandages contained in eitheran elongated, folded stack or an unfolded stack of individual bandages.Opening 119 and cutting edge 120 are sized according to the bandagesbeing dispensed. Opening 119 may be variably positioned on module 110.In use, the leading edge of the strand of bandages is pulled fromopening 119 until an entire bandage is exposed, then the strand ispulled sharply against cutting edge 120 to completely break theperforation. The bandage is then removed from the protective wrappingand applied to a wound. Of course, as one skilled in the art willappreciate, in some instances, the bandage may not include protectivewrapping and may be applied to a wound immediately after pulling thebandage from opening 119. As the bandage is withdrawn from module 110,the next successive bandage is pulled partially through opening 119 tobe accessible for future use.

Module 110, as well as the other modules described herein, are typicallythe individual containers in which the first-aid products are sold.These containers are formed of any suitable material to provide anattractive appearance for first-aid dispensing system 100, such ascardboard, plastic, or metal. For example, module 110 may be formed of astandard metal box, such as those in which adhesive bandages are oftensold, with the additional features of opening 119 and cutting edge 120.

Module 110 as well as the other modules described herein may be formedof a clear plastic or of an opaque material. In FIG. 1A, modules 110 and122 are formed of clear or semi-transparent material to allow visualinspection of their respective contents. Of course, all of the modulesdescribed herein may be formed of an opaque material, which could bemetal, cardboard, or plastic, to allow for clear labeling of themodules' contents.

The design of module 110 as wells as the other modules described hereinreflects the type of product dispensed. For example, dispensing heavieritems may require a particular module to be formed of a sturdiermaterial. Alternatively, a module may be provided with a counterweightto facilitate dispensing of heavier items.

As mentioned above, each module in first-aid dispensing system 100 maybe attached to neighboring modules by module-joining attachments 121.Module-joining attachments 121 may be any conventional holding meansthat provide ready attachment and removal of modules 110, 122, 130, 140,and 150, such as a tab-and-slot closure (e.g., “cereal box” closure), alight and temporary adhesive, a strip fastener (e.g., Velcro® brand hookand loop-type fasteners), an anchor-peg and keyhole mechanism, a matinggroove-and-track mechanism, or a male-female snap mechanism. Attachment121 is provided on opposing sides of module 110 as well as the othermodules described herein. Attachment 121 is a variable mechanism that issuitable for the type of material used to form a module. Any exposedattachment 121 on first-aid dispensing system 100 may be covered with anend piece to conceal the attachment from view for aesthetic purposes.

First-aid dispensing system 100 also includes a module 122 with anopening 123, a cutting edge 124, and module-joining attachments 121 onopposing sides (not shown). Module 122 is a module for dispensing a rollof adhesive bandages. Opening 123 and cutting edge 124 are sizedaccording to the bandages being dispensed. Opening 123 may be variablypositioned on module 122. In use, the leading edge of the strand ofbandages is pulled from opening 123 until an entire bandage is exposed,then the strand is pulled sharply against cutting edge 124 to completelybreak the perforation. The bandage is then removed from the excesswrapping, if any, and applied to a wound. As the bandage is withdrawnfrom module 122, the next successive bandage is pulled partially throughopening 123 to be accessible for future use.

First-aid dispensing system 100 also includes one or more accessorymodules 129. A plurality of moist cleaning wipes, which are stacked inlayers like the sheets in a facial tissue box, may be dispensed througha wipe dispenser module 130 with an opening 132 and module-joiningattachments 121 on opposing sides (not shown). Opening 132 is sizedaccording to the wipes being dispensed. Opening 132 may be variablypositioned on module 130. The top wipe is pulled through opening 132,and the fold of the wipe serves to pull the wipe below it partially outof opening 132 for future access.

Another accessory module 129 in system 100 is a flip-top utility module140 that includes a flip top 142 and module-joining attachments 121 onopposing sides (not shown). The contents of module 140 are dispensedthrough flip top 142. The user may determine the contents of module 140based on personal preferences as to the type of wound-care relatedproducts to be included in system 100. Module 140 may also take the formand function of any of the other modules described herein.

Yet another accessory module 129 in system 100 is a lotion dispensermodule 150 with a nozzle 152 for dispensing lotions, fluids, or thelike, a conventional liquid or semi-liquid dispensing mechanism 154, andmodule-joining attachments 121 on opposing sides (not shown), fordispensing semi-liquid first-aid products, such as antibacterial creamsor gels. Nozzle 152 and mechanism 154 may be variably positioned onmodule 150. Mechanism 154 may include a lever, button, or other device,and applies pressure to the semi-liquid product so that it may bedispensed through nozzle 152.

FIG. 1A shows first-aid dispensing system 100 with five differentindividual dispensing modules. However, first-aid dispensing system 100is not limited to five dispensing modules and may include one or anynumber of the same or different types of dispensing modules. Thedispensing modules may be of varying widths to accommodate differentwidths of product. Modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150 may be attachedin any order or combination to provide an integrated freestandingdispensing device of variable size that is accessed quickly andefficiently.

FIG. 1B illustrates a rear perspective view of first-aid dispensingsystem 100. Modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150 each include a pluralityof module mounting attachments 160 for attachment to a wall or othersurface. Attachments 160 may be any conventional holding means, such asa light and temporary adhesive or a strip fastener (e.g., Velcro® brandhook and loop-type fasteners), that allows modules 110, 122, 130, 140,and 150 to be readily attached to and removed from a surface.Attachments 160 are provided on the back (i.e., the wall side) ofmodules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150. Attachments 160 are a variablemechanism that is suitable for the type of material used to form modules110, 122, 130, 140, and 150. Of course, in alternative embodiments,modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150 may not include attachments 160. Forexample, modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150 may be located on a shelfor some other mounting mechanism that does not require attachments 160.

In an alternative embodiment, the integrated dispensing device may holdother products, such as pills, lotions, shampoos, medicinal and cosmeticcreams, tape, ribbon, string, or any other product suitable fordispensing. For example, modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150 maydispense a collection of five different colored ribbons or fivedifferent types of string.

FIG. 2 illustrates a mounting backplate 200 to which modules 110, 122,130, 140, and 150 may be releasably attached. Backplate 200 is intendedto be mounted on a wall or other object having a suitable mountingsurface. Backplate 200 includes a plurality of module-retainingattachments 210 that attach backplate 200 to attachments 160 on the backof modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150. Backplate 200 is a fixed size toaccommodate a specified number of dispensing modules. Additionalbackplates 200 and modules may be used to expand the capacity offirst-aid dispensing system 100. Backplate 200 is attached to a surfacesuch as a wall by any suitable well-known attachment means, such as anadhesive pad, an adhesive pad with a strip fastener (e.g., Velcro® brandhook and loop-type fasteners), an adhesive pad with a slide-on orsnap-in track mechanism, or magnets that allow backplate 200 to beremovably attached to the surface. In an alternative embodiment,backplate 200 is permanently attached with screws to a vertical surfacesuch as a wall or a cabinet. In another alternative embodiment,first-aid dispensing system 100 may not include a backplate. Rather, asmentioned above, modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150 may reside on ashelf or be retained by some other mechanism.

Another aspect of the present invention is a method of forming afirst-aid dispensing system for mounting on a surface. A user attachesmounting backplate 200 to a surface such as a wall. Next, the userpurchases a variety of boxes of first-aid products, such as modules 110,122, 130, 140, and 150, and attaches them via module-joining attachments121 in a desirable arrangement to module-retaining attachments 210 onbackplate 200 to form first-aid dispensing system 100. The modules aresingle use and disposable. For example, a user dispenses bandages frommodule 110 through opening 119 or other first-aid products from theother modules as described above. In the case of module 110, when thelast adhesive bandage has been dispensed, the empty module is removedfrom first-aid dispensing system 100 by disconnecting the empty modulefrom the other modules and backplate 200. A replacement may be purchasedand inserted in first-aid dispensing system 100 by connecting it to theother modules and backplate 200 using attachments 121 and 160,respectively.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention. First-aid dispensing system 300 includes a cover system 302.Cover system 302 includes a cover 310 joined to a module mounting case320 via a connection 322. The latter may be a hinge or other suitableconnector. Cover system 302 forms a fixed enclosure over module mountingcase 320, which holds modules 122 and a trash receptacle module 330. Aback surface 340 of module mounting case 320 includes a plurality ofattachments 350 to attach module mounting case 320 to a surface 352.Modules 110, 130, 140, and 150 may also be mounted in first-aiddispensing system 300. As one skilled in the art appreciates, modulemounting case 320 may be made of plastic, metal, or a combination ofmaterials.

Back surface 340, which is similar in composition to backplate 200, isattached by attachments 350 to vertical surface 352, such as a cabinet,refrigerator, or wall, to enable first-aid dispensing system 300 to becentrally positioned. Attachments 350 may be any suitable well-knownattachment means such as an adhesive pad, an adhesive pad with a stripfastener (e.g., Velcro® brand hook and loop-type fasteners), an adhesivepad with a slide-on or snap-in track mechanism, or magnets that allowremovable attachment of back surface 340 to surface 352. In analternative embodiment, back surface 340 is permanently attached withscrews to a surface such as a wall or a cabinet.

In yet another alternative embodiment, first-aid dispensing system 300is attached to a horizontal surface such as a countertop or table via abottom plate (not shown) that provides a suitable removable attachmentmechanism, such as an adhesive pad with a strip fastener (e.g., Velcro®brand hook and loop-type fasteners), an adhesive pad with a slide-on orsnap-in track mechanism, magnets, or a suitable permanent attachmentmechanism such as screws.

First-aid dispensing system 300 operates in a similar manner asfirst-aid dispensing system 100, differing in that the user must opencover 310 before dispensing the first-aid products. Cover 310 isdesigned to be opened with one hand and remain opened until closed.

FIG. 4 illustrates a first-aid dispensing system 500 according to analternative embodiment of the present invention. First-aid dispensingsystem 500 may be composed of customized modules, for example, modules110, 122, 130, 140, and 150, secured together and mounted to mountingbackplate 200, which is attached to a vertical surface (not shown). Inaddition, first-aid dispensing system 500 contains a lid 510 thatattaches with one or more conventional connectors 512, e.g., hinges, tobackplate 200 and covers modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150. Typically,lid 510 is made out of a clear or opaque plastic or a metal. Lid 510further protects the contents of first-aid dispensing system 500 fromdust and dirt and creates a uniform look that visually ties the devicetogether. Several lids 510 of varying size may be produced toaccommodate a varying number of modules. As an example, FIG. 5 showsfive modules, including modules 110, 122, 130, 140, and 150 with lid510.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in yet another embodiment of the presentinvention, first aid dispensing system 600 includes a rack system 610having a paper towel attachment module 620 for providing a supply ofpaper towels to a system user. Rack system 610 includes a shelf portion630 and mounting backplate 200. A plurality of modules, i.e., modules110, 122, 130, and 150, may be mounted to mounting backplate 200 andsupported by shelf portion 630. Mounting backplate 200 may be mounted toa vertical surface such as a wall.

The first-aid dispensing system of the present invention is customizableand includes individual packages of first-aid products that areconnected to each other and mounted on a surface to create a modularizedsystem. The dispensing modules are easily attached to and disconnectedfrom each other by module-joining attachments, to provide an integrated,variably-sized dispensing system that may be accessed quickly andefficiently with one hand or two. The dispensing modules may bediscarded when empty, thereby clearly indicating which products are instock (those with the modules showing) and which need replenishment.Pre-loaded modules may contain a variety of first-aid productsincluding: adhesive bandages in a roll or stack with minimal packaging;lotions, creams, and gels; wipes and gauze pads; and other first-aidproducts. Because the modules are designed to be pre-loaded andnon-refillable, the level of sterility of the environment in which thebandages are stored is better maintained. The system may include auser-defined module, which the user fills with any first-aid productdesired, and a trash receptacle module to collect waste.

While the present invention has been described in connection withspecified embodiments, it will be understood that it is not so limited.On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modificationsand equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims.

1. A dispensing system for storing and dispensing bandages and otherfirst-aid supplies, comprising: a plurality of bandages; one or moresingle-use disposable bandage modules, each of said modules having aplurality of walls joined with one another to form a substantiallysealed body having an internal cavity for receiving said plurality ofbandages, one of said walls having an opening through which saidbandages may be dispensed from said cavity, wherein said walls areconstructed and joined to one another so that said cavity is notaccessible without damaging said walls.
 2. A dispensing system accordingto claim 1, further including joining attachments for releasably joiningsaid modules to one another, said joining attachments being attachedwith at least one of said walls.
 3. A dispensing system according toclaim 1, further including module mounting attachments for releasablyjoining said modules with a mounting backplate, said mountingattachments being attached with at least one of said walls, saidmounting backplate having a mounting surface including module retainingattachments for releasably retaining said mounting attachments.
 4. Adispensing system according to claim 1, further comprising one or moreaccessory modules selected from the group consisting of a lotiondispenser module, a wipe dispenser module, a flip-top utility module,and a trash receptacle module.
 5. A dispensing system according to claim1, wherein at least a portion of said body is transparent.
 6. Adispensing system according to claim 1, wherein each of said pluralityof bandages in one of said modules is same size.
 7. A dispensing systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said plurality of bandages is a stack ofindividual bandages.
 8. A dispensing system according to claim 1,wherein said plurality of bandages is a continuous roll of bandages. 9.A dispensing system according to claim 1, further including a cuttingedge proximate said opening.
 10. A dispensing system according to claim1, further comprising a cover system having a mounting case and a cover,said cover being pivotally connected to said mounting case so as to bemovable between open and closed positions.
 11. A dispensing systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising a lid sized to cover at leastsaid opening of said module when in a closed position.
 12. A dispensingsystem according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of walls includes atop wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a left side wall,and a right side wall.
 13. A dispensing system according to claim 12,wherein said opening is positioned on one of said front wall and saidbottom wall.
 14. A dispensing system according to claim 12, wherein saidjoining attachments are positioned on said side walls.
 15. A dispensingsystem according to claim 12, wherein said mounting attachments arepositioned on said back wall.
 16. A dispensing system according to claim1, further comprising a paper-towel holder attachment module.
 17. Asingle-use, disposable module for storing and dispensing bandages,comprising: a. a plurality of walls permanently connected together toform a substantially sealed body having an internal cavity for receivinga plurality of bandages; b. an opening formed in at least one of saidplurality of walls through which said plurality of bandages may bedispensed from said cavity; and c. wherein said module is pre-loadedwith said plurality of bandages at the time of manufacture such thatsaid module may not be refilled without damaging one or more of saidplurality of walls.
 18. A single-use, disposable module according toclaim 17, wherein said body is transparent.
 19. A single-use, disposablemodule according to claim 17, wherein each of said plurality of bandagesis the same size.
 20. A single-use, disposable module according to claim17, wherein said plurality of bandages is a stack of individualbandages.
 21. A single-use, disposable module according to claim 17,wherein said plurality of bandages is a continuous roll of bandages. 22.A single-use, disposable module according to claim 17, further includinga cutting edge proximate said opening.
 23. A single-use, disposablemodule according to claim 17, wherein said plurality of walls includes atop wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, a left side wall,and a right side wall.
 24. A single-use, disposable module according toclaim 23, wherein said opening is positioned on one of said front walland said bottom wall.
 25. A single-use, disposable module according toclaim 17, further including a plurality of joining attachments forreleasably joining said modules to one another, said joining attachmentsbeing attached with at least one of said walls.
 26. A method of forminga first-aid dispensing system for mounting on a surface, comprising thesteps of: a. obtaining at least two single-use type, non-refillable,disposable bandage modules; b. connecting said at least two modulestogether; and c. positioning said modules on a surface.
 27. A methodaccording to claim 26, further comprising the steps of obtaining one ormore accessory modules selected from the group consisting of a lotiondispenser module, a wipe dispenser module, a flip-top utility module,and a trash receptacle module and mounting said accessory modulesproximate said at least two modules.
 28. A method according to claim 26,wherein said disposable bandage modules in said obtaining step include atransparent body.
 29. A method according to claim 26, further comprisingthe step of replacing used ones of said bandage modules with new,single-use type, non-refillable, disposable bandage modules.
 30. Asurface-mounted dispensing system for dispensing bandages, comprising:a. one or more single-use disposable bandage modules, each of saidmodules having a plurality of walls joined with one another to form asubstantially sealed body having an internal cavity for receiving saidplurality of bandages, one of said walls having an opening through whichsaid bandages may be dispensed from said cavity, wherein said walls areconstructed and joined to one another so that said cavity is notaccessible without damaging said walls; b. means for releasably joiningsaid modules to one another; and c. means for releasably mounting saidmodules to a surface.
 31. A surface-mounted dispensing system accordingto claim 30, wherein said means for releasably joining said modules toone another includes at least one of a tab-and-slot closure, a light andtemporary adhesive, a strip fastener, an anchor-peg and keyholemechanism, a mating groove-and-track mechanism, or a male-female snapmechanism.